MEARS exists as a business entity because there is a market for sports memorabilia and the collectors that drive it. Over the years, I have focused a large portion of the policies and procedures currently in place based on collector feedback. MEARS now has an additional responsibility to consigners with the advent of MEARS Auctions. This mix of responsibilities to both the consigner and collector requires a balance to ensure the item is accurately described and presented in a positive and professional light. One is not more important than the other as MEARS has responsibilities to both the consigner and buyer.
Recently we obtained a fantastic grouping of 1976 Cincinnati Reds Bi-Centennial gamers that will be offered in the December Auction. It is here that I would value your feedback as there seems to be a significant difference of opinion with respect to how this lot was described and what constitutes an acceptable level of work. Please know this is a rather lengthy article because it features two separate lot descriptions for the same items. The first was written by Dave Bushing and the second by me. I would ask that you read both and provide feedback either through e-mail or consider posting on the MEARS Bulletin board.
Think about this in terms of being the consigner and how your lot was being represented as well as what your interest would be as collector after reading the lot description. In my mind, Wikipedia is not what consigners are paying us for when it comes to presenting their items. Cutting and pasting from Wikipedia in order to represent their items does them a discervice and is no way to build and garner collector confidence. However, in your eyes, if none of this truly matters, then I will devote my time and efforts elsewhere.
As always, collect what you enjoy and enjoy what you collect.
MEARS Auth, LLC
For questions or comments on this article, please feel free to drop me a line at DaveGrob1@aol.com
Original Lot Description as written by Dave Bushing
Being offered for the first time as a single lot are nine game used bats from the starting line up of the Big Red Machine. Each bat in this lot is listed below and presents a once in a lifetime chance to get them all in one large grouping. The Big Red Machine is the nickname given to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team which dominated the National League from 1970 to 1976, recognized as among the best in baseball. Over that span, the team won five National League Western Division titles, four National League pennants, and two World Series titles. The team’s combined record from 1970-1976 was 683 wins and 443 losses, an average of nearly 98 wins per season.
The nickname was introduced in a July 4 1969 article by Bob Hertzel in The Cincinnati Enquirer, but gained prominence in reference to the 1970 team, which posted a regular season record of 102-60 and won the National League pennant.[ Rookie and future-Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson headed the team, which at its peak featured Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Pérez, and was supported by George Foster, César Gerónimo, Ken Griffey, Sr., and Dave Concepción. The eight players most frequently referenced as members of the Big Red Machine (pictured) include baseball’s all-time hit leader in Rose; 3 Hall of Fame players in Bench, Peréz and Morgan; 6 National League MVP selections; 4 National League home run leading seasons; 3 NL Batting Champions; 25 Gold Glove winning seasons, and 63 collective All-Star Game appearances. The starting lineup of Bench, Rose, Morgan, Pérez, Concepción, Foster, Griffey, and Gerónimo (collectively referred to as the “Great Eight”) played 88 games together during the 1975 and 1976 seasons, losing only 19.
The Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s garnered more World Series appearances than any other team during that decade, with an overall record of 953 wins and 657 losses. They are the only National League team during the last 75 years to win back-to-back World Championships. Before them, the 1921 and 1922 New York Giants are the last NL team to accomplish this feat.[15] Although some of the original players departed the team, some extend the Big Red Machine nickname for two more years until the departures of Anderson and Rose following the 1978 season. The Reds turned around to finish in second place in 1977 and 1978. The Cincinnati Reds would not return to the World Series until 1990, when manager Lou Piniella led the team to a four-game sweep of the heavily-favored Oakland Athletics, a re-match of sorts from the 1972 World Series. Min Bid $15,000.00.
1976 Bi-Centennial Dan Driessen H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A9 1. The offered bat is a signature model R43 with Flame Treated finish. It measures 35.5” and weighs 33.6 oz. The bat exhibits heavy game use as evidenced by the deep ball and lace marks concentrated on the bottom and back of barrel. The uncracked handle has traces of light pine tar and red marks. His uniform number 22 appears in black marker on both ends of the bat. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades an A9 with 5 base points, 3 use points and an additional 1 point for his vintage uniform number on both ends. In 1976, Driessen became the National League’s first ever-designated hitter in the World Series. In his first four seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Driessen demonstrated his versatility as a player. He became Cincinnati’s starting third baseman in 1974, but was soon replaced at that position by Pete Rose, and from 1977 to 1981 replaced Tony Pérez at first base. Driessen was also an excellent fielder, leading all National League first basemen in fielding three times. Finally, he was a steady hitter, leading the NL in walks in 1980. This is the only Driessen Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
1976 Bi-Centennial Dave Concepcion H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A9.5 2. The offered bat is a signature model B278 with Hickory finish. It measures 35” and weighs 30.3oz. The bat exhibits heavy game use as evidenced by the deep ball and lace marks concentrated on the top of barrel. The cracked handle (6” H style crack) has moderate pine tar over 4.5” of white handle tape and a finger pad. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 7-19-76 through 10-18-76. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades an A9.5 with 5 base points, 3 use points and an additional 2 points for photo style matching of the white handle and finger pad taping as seen on a Getty image number 51454459 (copy included) that is dated Oct 1, 1976 with what appears to be this very bat. This photograph was taken at the World Series against the New York Yankees so it is highly likely that this very bat was used in the picture at the series. Concepcion was a nine time All-Star (1973, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982), a two time World Series champion (1975, 1976), a five time Gold Glove Award winner (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979) and the recipient of the 1977 Roberto Clemente Award and his Cincinnati Reds #13 is retired. By 1975 Concepción joined Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Ken Griffey, Sr., George Foster and César Gerónimo in the famous “Great Eight” starting lineup of The Big Red Machine that would help the Reds win the next two World Series titles. Even after Concepción had established himself in the major leagues as a star shortstop, he continued to play winter ball in Venezuela, helping to improve his batting. After his .274, 5, 49 totals in the 1975 season, Concepción posted marks of : .281, 9, 69 (1976) – .271, 8, 64 (1977) – .301, 6, 67 (1978) – .281, 16, 84 (1979) – .260, 5, 77 (1980) – .306, 5, 67 (1981) – .287, 5, 53 (1982). This is only the second Concepcion Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated and is one point higher than that example.
1976 Bi-Centennial Pete Rose H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A5.5 3. The offered bat is a signature model S222 with Flame Treated finish. It measures 34.3/4” and weighs 32.8oz. The bat exhibits light game use concentrated on the back of barrel which now has a large darkened area. The uncracked handle has traces of light pine tar. Factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades an A5.5with 5 base points, 1 use points and minus 1 point for the blackened area on back. In addition, factory records show the first shipment of these bats to him on 3-16-76 through 3-23-76 after which time, he switched to the R203 model and never again ordered the familiar S222 model. There appears to have been some factory writing on the knob (weight, length) but is faded and not readable. Aside from the 8” dark area on back which shows some light use, the rest of the use appears to be rack wear. Bat is autographed in blue as well. While gift shop 1976 34” S2 models hit the market with some frequency, real factory recorded Rose Bi-Centennial bats are almost non existent in the hobby.
Roses records include 4,256 career hits, 3,562 career games played and 14,053 career at-bats. His awards are too numerous to list and take up almost an entire page. The Cincinnati Reds of the 1970s earned the nickname “the Big Red Machine,” and is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest teams ever. On a team with many great players, Rose, along with Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Pérez, was viewed as one of the club’s leaders. Rose was known for sliding headfirst into a base, his signature move, which is now used almost exclusively by stealing base runners today, and has been ever since the late ’70s. In 1975, Rose earned the Hickok Belt as top professional athlete of the year and Sports Illustrated magazine’s “Sportsman of the Year” award. The following year, he was a major force in helping the Reds repeat as World Series champions. The 1976 Reds swept the Phillies 3-0 in the 1976 National League Championship Series, then swept the Yankees 4-0 in the World Series. The 1976 Cincinnati Reds remain the only team since the expansion of the playoffs in 1969 to go undefeated in the postseason. This is the only Pete Rose non-gift shop (34”) Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
1976 Bi-Centennial Ceasar Geronimo H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A9 4. The offered bat is a signature model D143 with Flame Treated finish. It measures 34 3/8” and weighs 32.7oz. The bat exhibits significant game use as evidenced by the deep ball and lace marks on all sides of barrel. The un-cracked handle has moderate globs of pine tar. In addition, the barrel is covered with red and black rack marks and cleat marks with his number 20 in black marker on the knob. Bat is autographed in black. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 4-7-76 through 6-18-76. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades an A9 with 5 base points, 3 use points and an additional 1 point for his uniform number 20 on the knob. Ceasar was a four time Gold Glove Award winner (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977) and a two time World Series champion (1975, 1976). After the 1971 season, he went to the Cincinnati Reds in a blockbuster, eight-player deal along with, among others, Joe Morgan. A winner of four consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1974-77, Gerónimo was the outstanding defensive center fielder of five divisional championship series and the 1975-76 World Series Champion Cincinnati teams. This is only the second Geronimo Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
1976 Bi-Centennial Ken Griffey Sr. H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A5.5 5. The offered bat is a signature model S216 with Flame Treated finish. It measures 34 7/8” and weighs 34.4oz. The bat exhibits no real game use. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 3-16-76 and 3-23-76, twenty-four bats total in two shipments. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades an A5.5 with 5 base points, 0 use points and an additional 1/2 point for the factory recorded shipment in March of 1976. Griffey was a three time All-Star (1976, 1977, 1980), two-time World Series champion (1975, 1976) and 1980 MLB All-Star Game MVP. Griffey made his Major League Baseball debut on August 25, 1973 with the Cincinnati Reds. That season, Griffey played in only 25 games, but batted .384 with three homers. The following season, Griffey saw more playing time with 88 games. In 1975, Griffey began to break out with a .305 batting average with four home runs and 46 RBIs. Griffey’s greatest season came in 1976, when he came just short of winning the batting title behind the Cubs’ Bill Madlock. Griffey chose to sit out the final day of the season to protect his batting title and it came back to haunt him as Madlock collected four hits that same day. Griffey entered the game late after hearing the news, and went 0 for 2.
Many baseball purists were disappointed in Griffey (and perhaps more so in his manager, Sparky Anderson, for choosing to sit him out to gain an individual accolade). Fans were reminded of the decision of Ted Williams to play on the final day of his season where he could have lost his .400 average in 1941. Williams played both ends of a double header, and wound up with .406 average to end his remarkable season. Griffey batted a career high .336, finished eighth in the Most Valuable Player voting, and was named to The Sporting News National League All-Star team. That season, the Reds won their second consecutive World Series title. Also, the season marked the end of The Big Red Machine in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team, which ended when Tony Perez left the team, consisted of greats such as Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, and Johnny Bench. In the next four seasons, Griffey batted .318, .288, .316, and .294 with a total of 43 home runs. In Griffey’s final season of his first stint with the Reds, 1981, he batted .311 with only two home runs and 34 RBIs. This is the only Griffey Sr. Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
1976 Bi-Centennial Joe Morgan H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A5 6. The offered bat is a signature model S44 with Flame Treated finish. It measures 34 3/8” and weighs 30.2oz. The bat exhibits no real game use. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 3-16-76 and 10-18-76. Records indicate mk wts (mark weights) on knob but there is no sign of any writing. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades a 5 base grade and no additional points. Joe was a ten time All-Star (1966, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979), two time World Series champion (1975, 1976), two time NL MVP (1975, 1976) and was the 1972 MLB All-Star Game MVP. In addition , he was named 1982 NL Comeback Player of the Year and his number 8 is retired by the Cincinnati Reds #8. This is the only Joe Morgan. Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
1976 Bi-Centennial Tony Perez H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A6.5 7. The offered bat is a signature model R43 with Flame Treated finish. It measures 35.5” and weighs 33oz. The bat exhibits light game use on top of the barrel. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 3-16-76 and 6-28-76. His number 24 is in black marker on both ends and there are two mounting holes on knob as well. The bat is autographed and there was some additional writing in black that has been removed and is barely visible and not readable. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades a 6 with a 5 base grade, 1 for use, 1 for his number 24, minus .5 due to the removed writing and minus .5 due to the mounting holes. Perez was a seven time All-Star (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1974, 1975, 1976), a two time World Series champion (1975, 1976), the 1967 MLB All-Star Game MVP as well as winning the 1980 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. The Cincinnati Reds retired his number 24. Pèrez was one of the premier RBI men of his generation, driving in 100 or more runs seven times in his 23-year long career. In an eleven-year stretch from 1967 to 1977, Pérez drove in 90 or more runs each year, with a high of 129 RBIs in 1970.
During the decade of the 1970s, Pérez was second among all major-leaguers in RBI, with 954, behind only his teammate Johnny Bench. Beginning in 1970, the Reds went to the World Series four times in seven years, winning back-to-back world championships in 1975 and 1976, with Pérez starting at first base. Following the Red’s sweep of the Phillies in the 1976 League Championship Series and New York Yankees in the 1976 World Series (the only time a team has ever swept the postseason since the League Championship Series was introduced in 1969), Pérez was traded to the Montreal Expos with Will McEnaney for Woodie Fryman and Dale Murray. After his trade, the “Big Red Machine”– considered one of baseball’s all-time greatest teams—sputtered and never again got into the Series, reaching the playoffs but one more time in 1979. Sparky Anderson, the Reds manager during the championships of the 1970s, has stated in many interviews since that Pérez was the leader, and heart and soul of those teams. This is only the second Perez. Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated and the highest graded example.
1976 Bi-Centennial George Foster H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A7.5 8. The offered bat is a signature model P72 with Hickory finish. It measures 34 3/4” and weighs 34.3oz. The bat exhibits heavy game use as evidenced by the pounded deep ball and lace marks concentrated on the top and bottom of the barrel. The cracked handle (9”) is multiple faceted. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 4-23-76 through 10-18-76. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades an A7.5 with 5 base points, 3 use points and minus .5 for the closed handle crack. Foster was a five time All-Star (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981), a two time World Series champion (1975, 1976) and won the Silver Slugger Award (1981), the 1977 NL MVP and the 1976 MLB All-Star Game MVP. For the 1975 season, Reds manager Sparky Anderson made the move that would enable Foster to emerge as a star. He moved Rose to third base to save his aging legs and to get Foster’s powerful bat in the lineup every day. Foster responded by hitting 23 homers that year and being a vital cog in the “Big Red Machine” for the next six years. Foster was a member of the 1970s Big Red Machine, leading the league in home runs in 1977-78, runs batted in from 1976-78, and OPS in 1977. This is the only George Foster Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
1976 Bi-Centennial Johnny Bench H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. A8.5 8. The offered bat is a signature model B278 with the Flame Treated finish. It measures 35.5” and weighs 33oz. The bat exhibits significant game use as evidenced by the pounded deep ball and lace marks concentrated on the top of the barrel. His uniform number 5 can be found on both ends of the bat and is autographed in black on the barrel. The cracked handle (10”) is of the “H” style. Factory records show the first shipment of this model (cupped end) bat on 3-16-76 through 8-17-76. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. In addition, there are red rack marks and cleat marks about the barrel. Bat grades an A8.5 with 5 base points, 3 use points, one point for his number 5 on both ends and minus .5 for the closed handle crack. Bench’s awards are numerous. He was a 14 time All-Star (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983), a two time World Series champion (1975, 1976), a ten time Gold Glove Award winner (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977), a two time NL MVP (1970, 1972) as well as being awarded the 1968 NL Rookie of the Year, the 1976 World Series MVP, winner of the 1976 Babe Ruth Award, the 1975 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, the 1981 Hutch Award as well having the Cincinnati Reds retire his number 5. He was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. This is only the fourth Perez. Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated and the highest graded example. One of the four graded was an index bat making this one of only three personally ordered examples and a full two grades higher than the next example.
Revised Lot Description as written by MEARS
The Big Red Machine. Four simple words and you know exactly who we are referring to and their place in baseball history. That place in history was solidified by the 1976 campaign that saw the Reds post a record of 102 wins and against 60 loses and go undefeated in the post season. They did all of this without the benefit of a 20 game winner on the mound. As a matter of fact, the ace of the staff was Gary Nolan who only notched 15 wins. The Big Red Machine beat people at the plate and they did it with these bats.
Collectors will often look to assemble World Series team sets with bats from the appropriate labeling period. No guess work involved here as each and every one of the bats in this tremendous lot can be year dated to 1976 based on the supplemental one year Bi-Centennial barrel stamping. Over the years, the consigner of this rare collection has done the work for you by assembling this historic and iconic grouping. We will present these bats for your consideration in the same batting order the Reds opened the 1976 season with on April 8th against the Houston Astros, a game they won 11-5. From the very first game, the 1976 Reds spoke with their bats and these bats clearly speak for themselves.
Leading off this collection is a 1976 Bi-Centennial Pete Rose H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. The offered bat is a signature model S222 with Flame Treated finish that measures 34.3/4” and weighs 32.8oz. It exhibits light game use concentrated on the back of barrel which now has a large darkened area. The uncracked handle has traces of light pine tar. Factory stamps are strong and bold. Bat grades to an A5.5 with 5 base points, +1 for use and minus 1 point for the blackened area on back. In addition, factory records show the first shipment of these bats to him on 3-16-76 through 3-23-76 after which time, Rose switched to the R203 model and never again ordered the familiar S222 model. There appears to have been some factory writing on the knob (weight, length) but is faded and not readable. Aside from the 8” dark area on back which shows some light use, the rest of the use appears to be rack wear. Bat is autographed in blue as well. The only other (3) 1976 Pete Rose Bicentennial bats in the MEARS census are the 34” 580 Gift shop offerings. A rare bat leading off this lineup.
Hitting second is a 1976 Bi-Centennial Ken Griffey Sr. H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. The offered bat is a signature model S216 with Flame Treated finish that measures 34 7/8” and weighs 34.4oz. The bat exhibits no real game use. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 3-16-76 and 3-23-76, twenty-four bats total in two shipments. Finish and factory stamps are perfect as should be expected. The bat grades to an A5.5 with 5 base points, 0 use points and an additional 1/2 point for the factory recorded shipment in March of 1976. This is the only Griffey Sr. Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
Next to plate in the three-hole is a 1976 Bi-Centennial Joe Morgan H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. The offered bat from Morgan’s second MVP season and is a signature model S44 with Flame Treated finish that measures 34 3/8” and weighs 30.2oz. The bat exhibits no real game use, however factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 3-16-76 and then on 10-18-76. Records indicate “mk wts” (mark weights) on knob but there is no sign of any writing. Finish and factory stamps are striking. The bat grades out at an A5 base grade and no additional points. This is the only Joe Morgan Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
Batting cleanup is a 1976 Bi-Centennial Johnny Bench H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. The offered bat is a signature model B278 with the Flame Treated finish. It measures 35.5” and weighs 33oz. The bat exhibits significant game use as evidenced by the deeply pounded ball and lace marks concentrated on the top of the barrel. Bench’s uniform number 5 can be found on both ends of the bat and is autographed in black on the barrel. The cracked handle (10”) is of the “H” style. Factory records show the first shipment of this model (cupped end) bat on 3-16-76 through 8-17-76. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. In addition, there are red rack marks and cleat marks about the barrel. The bat grades out at an A8.5 with 5 base points, 3 use points, one point for his number 5 on both ends and minus .5 for the closed handle crack. This is only the fourth Bench Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated and the highest graded example. A grand slam offering to be sure.
Protecting Bench in this lineup is a1976 Bi-Centennial Tony Perez H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. The offered bat is a signature model R43 with Flame Treated finish that measures 35.5” and weighs 33oz. The bat exhibits light game use on top of the barrel. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 3-16-76 and the subsequently on 6-28-76. Perez’s number 24 is found in black marker on both ends and there are two mounting holes on knob as well. The bat is autographed and there was some additional writing in black that has been removed and remains barely visible and not discernable. The finish and factory stampings are spectacular. This bat grades to an A6.5 with 5 points for the base grade, +1 for use, +1 for his number 24 and minus -.5 due to the removed writing. This is only the second Perez. Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated and the highest graded example. Perez protected Bench in the line up and this bat helps to protect the investment of this collection.
Hitting 6th is a 1976 Bi-Centennial George Foster H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. This offered bat is a signature model P72 with Hickory finish that measures 34 3/4” and weighs 34.3oz. The bat exhibits heavy game use as can be seen in the deeply imbeded ball and lace marks concentrated on the top and bottom of the barrel. The cracked handle (9”) is multi-faceted. Factory records for Foster show the first shipment of this model bat on 4-23-76 and continuing through 10-18-76. The finish and factory stamps are exquisite, especially for a dark bat. This bat grades an A7.5 with 5 base points, +3 for use and minus -.5 for the closed handle crack. This is the only George Foster Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
Batting 7th is a 1976 Bi-Centennial Dave Concepcion H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. This offered bat is a signature model B278 with Hickory finish that measures 35” and weighs 30.3oz. The bat exhibits heavy game use as seen in the deep ball and lace marks concentrated on the top of barrel. The cracked handle (6” H style crack) has moderate pine tar over 4.5” of white handle tape and a finger pad. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 7-19-76 through 10-18-76. Finish and factory stamps are perfect. Bat grades an A9.5 with 5 base points, 3 points for use and an additional 2 points for photo style matching of the white handle and finger pad taping as a defined playing specific characteristic as seen on a Getty image number 51454459 (copy included). It should be noted that this image is from the 1976 World Series. Although down in the lineup at #7, this may be the best bat in the lineup.
In the eight slot is a 1976 Bi-Centennial Ceasar Geronimo H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. This offered bat is a signature model D143 with Flame Treated finish that measures 34 3/8” and weighs 32.7oz. This bat exhibits significant game use, confirmed by the deep ball and lace marks on all sides of barrel. The un-cracked handle features vintage moderate application of pine tar. In addition, the barrel is covered with red and black rack marks and cleat marks with Geronimo’s number 20 in black marker on the knob. Bat is autographed in black. Factory records show the first shipment of this model bat on 4-7-76 through 6-18-76. Finish and factory stamps are strong and visually appealing. This bat grades to an A9 with 5 base points, +3 points for use and an additional 1 point for his uniform number 20 on the knob. This is only the second Geronimo Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated.
Batting for the pitcher is a 1976 Bi-Centennial Dan Driessen H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat. The offered bat is a signature model R43 with Flame Treated finish, measuring 35.5” and weighs 33.6 oz. The bat exhibits heavy game use in the form of pronounced and deep ball and lace marks concentrated on the bottom and back of barrel. The uncracked handle has traces of light pine tar and red rack marks. Driessen’s uniform number 22 appears in black marker on both ends of the bat. Finish and factory stamps are unimprovable. This bat grades out to an A9 with 5 base points, +3 points for use and an additional 1 point for his vintage uniform number on both ends. This is the only Driessen Bi-Centennial Bat that MEARS has authenticated. A fitting way to close out the lineup with an offering from the first National League designated hitter in World Series history.
Although the breakup value for this collection might easily exceed the $15,000.00 opening bid, we hope that the new owner sees this collection for what it is…a grouping of gamers from some of the truly greats of the game…The Big Red Machine.